Philippine Methodists Establish National Council on Youth Ministry
The United Methodist Church (UMC)’s Philippines Central Conference approved the establishment of the National Council on Youth Ministry to give greater voice to the district’s young adults.
According to the United Methodist News Service (UMNS), the new council will “serve as a forum for the issues and concerns of the National United Methodist Youth Fellowship and the National United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship, which covers youth and young adults from 12-40 in the Philippines.”
Mayette Oria, president of the youth fellowship, and Edward Santos, vice president of the young adult fellowship, explained the reasons why such a Council would be needed.
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“Lack of regular conversation, coordination and consultation between the two youth organizations has somewhat promoted isolation and indifference,” they wrote in a petition to the Philippines Central Conference.
“This is what the youth and young adults need today if the church wants them to be developed as future leaders of the church,” Oria explained as the Conference voted on the resolution, Nov. 27.
In addition to the new Youth Council, the Philippines Conference also approved a National Youth Desk “to insure the implementation of the national youth ministry council, monitor the programs of the two organizations, assist in planning joint programs, and ensure budget allocation for the council.” (UMNS)
Meanwhile, Rev. Lillian Smith, top executive with the UMC’s Division on Ministries with Young People, said the establishments of the new ministries mark an “exciting time” for the denomination.
"The creation of the National Council on Youth Ministry represents an exciting time in the life of the Philippine Central Conference and the United Methodist Church," said Smith. "This new council will provide young people with additional avenues to live out their call and ministry on behalf of Christ in the Philippines and the world. We celebrate with the Philippine Central Conference and look forward to sharing in ministry with the National Council on Youth Ministry."
